‘Grandma Eva’ laid to rest

The thunderous cloudburst did not stop the scores of family members from Canada, Iraq and the United States in joining the huge throng of mourners who came out to say their final farewell to Eva May Wright at the Seaview Baptist Church, overlooking the sea in Bull Savannah, St Elizabeth, last Sunday.

The church was beautifully decorated with masses of roses, carnations and lilies, as well as framed family photographs of the deceased on the perimeter walls of the sanctuary.

It was a fitting setting for Wright, who loved beautiful flowers.

Tribute after tribute lauded the 99-year-old beloved matriarch as a stalwart and community builder, who was passionate about her children, selfless, caring, wise, hard-working, entrepreneurial, philanthropic, and dedicated to those in and beyond the boundaries of her home and community.

In his sermon, Pastor Jonathan Golding highlighted Wright's "humility and love for everyone" and urged the congregation to emulate her.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness' message, read by his wife Juliet, praised Wright for passing on her "qualities of strength, love for education and energetic style to two of her granddaughters known to him - Trisha Williams-Singh and newly elected Portland East Member of Parliament Ann-Marie Vaz.

Her grand-nephew - Member of Parliament Floyd Green, underscored the positive impact she had on his life and those of others.

So devoted was Wright to her community that she donated lands for the railway to Port Kaiser to be built.

She not only raised and educated her children, she did the same for several others, many of whom attended her funeral.

She believed in providing opportunities for others, stressed the importance of education to her children and grandchildren, and helped to educate her siblings.

Of her five children, she leaves behind two sons, Fred and Greg Wright, the latter, in describing their heartbreak at her passing, said: "Mama, you have always been my rock and guiding light. Your words of wisdom have helped us to be the persons we are today."

Musical tributes included the church choir's melodious renditions, Kevin Williams performing Jerusalem, and North East Manchester Member of Parliament Audley Shaw who delighted the congregation with his rendition of the 23rd Psalm.

Wright's grandson-in-law, Daryl Vaz, announced that he would be nominating her for a national honour for her outstanding contribution to the community.

Wright also leaves one brother, 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.